Northgate families are invited to learn more about an exciting opportunity for students who will be in grades 9-12 next school year to travel to Montreal and Quebec in March 2027.

This educational experience will include visits to iconic destinations such as Mount Royal Park, Château Frontenac, and Montmorency Falls, along with other cultural and historical highlights.

To provide families with full details, Dr. Caroline Johns will host a mandatory informational meeting on Tuesday, May 5th at 5:30 p.m. During this session, attendees will receive important information about the trip itinerary, pricing, safety measures, and available scholarship opportunities.

RSVP is required to attend the meeting and must be completed by May 4th.

Please note that space on this trip is limited, and enrollment will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendance at the informational meeting is required in order to secure a spot on the tour.

This trip promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for our students, and we are proud to offer them this opportunity to expand their learning beyond the classroom.

For more information and to RSVP, please click here: RSVP HERE

 

The Northgate Chamber Singers brought home top international recognition, winning the Grand Prize at the International Youth Music Competitions this past February.

Competing in the highly competitive Senior Choir category, the ensemble impressed judges with their performance of "O Love" by Elaine Hagenberg. Known for its demanding vocal control, the piece gave the singers an opportunity to showcase both technical precision and emotional artistry.

Led by director Christopher Brewer, the group stood out among choirs from around the world. The International Youth Music Competitions attract talented young musicians across multiple categories, including instrumentalists, solo vocalists, and ensembles, making the Grand Prize a significant achievement at the global level.

Judges evaluate performances based on tone quality, interpretation, balance, and overall musical expression. The Northgate Chamber Singers’ ability to excel across these areas reflects not only their individual talent but also their dedication and discipline as an ensemble.

This accomplishment highlights the strength of Northgate’s music program and the hard work of its student musicians, placing them firmly on the international stage and setting a high standard for future performances.

Dear Northgate Middle School Families,

The Spring Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Exams are scheduled for the weeks of April 20 and April 27, 2026. As we approach the testing period, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of students doing their very best on these assessments. The PSSA is a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science (for 8th grade only).

These assessments provide important insights into our students’ academic progress and help us tailor instruction to meet their needs. While we recognize no single test defines a student’s abilities,
performing their best on the PSSAs allows us to celebrate their growth and make informed decisions
about curriculum and support services.

The PSSA exams will be administered on the following dates:

• English Language Arts: Tuesday, April 21, Wednesday, April 22, and Friday, April 24
• Mathematics: Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28
• Science (Grade 8 only): Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30

Below is a checklist of six key actions we want students to take during testing to help them perform at
their best. Our middle school teachers have discussed and practiced these skills with all students.
Completing all six will earn them a prize ticket on testing day. Daily prizes will be a snack to enjoy in
the classroom, and on Fridays, the prize will be a treat in the cafeteria. Additionally, students’ names
will be entered into a drawing for big prizes.

1. Be on time each day and have materials. Students will be expected to leave their Chromebooks at school and chargers will be available.
2. Take your time and work diligently for at least 50 minutes on the multiple-choice questions,
carefully answering every question and be sure you have answered every question.
3. Write a quality open-ended response.

• On the ELA exam: with an introduction, opening, conclusion, and supporting paragraphs with evidence in between.
• On Math and Science exams: a clear and concise explanation.

4. Use scratch paper. Show your work and solve problems on scratch paper.
5. Use the formula sheet.
6. Use the rubrics. Grade your work using the rubric before turning it in. Feel confident that your
answer has all the characteristics of proficient work.

How Families Can Help
You play an important role in helping your student feel confident and prepared. Here are a few simple
ways to support them:

• Encourage your student to do their best on their daily school work leading up to the test. In particular, use practice problems as an opportunity to reinforce skills and ask questions.
• Ensure Plenty of Rest – A good night’s sleep before each test day helps with focus and stamina.
• Provide a Healthy Breakfast – Nutritious food fuels the brain and helps with concentration. Remember every student has the opportunity for free breakfast at school every day!
• Arrive on Time – Being punctual reduces stress and allows students to start the day calmly.
• Reinforce the Importance of Trying Their Best – Encourage your student to take their time, read carefully, and check their work. Let your student know that a little bit of stress is normal and even healthy. Remind them to use their "Chill" coping strategies to work through it and do their best.

Pennsylvania does not offer a remote option for these tests. Northgate Online Learning Academy
(NOLA) students are expected to come to school on the days of the tests to complete the exams. Our
NOLA students will be assigned to testing groups and will need to report to the secondary building
at 9:45 a.m. on test days. Home-schooled students may also participate. Parents of homeschooled
students must contact the principal by April 9, 2026, to arrange for inclusion in testing.
We appreciate your partnership in making this a successful and stress-free experience for your child.

If you have any questions about the PSSA, please feel free to contact us. Our email addresses are included below. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Amick 
Principal
michael.amick@northgatesd.net

Dr. Nancy Bowman
Principal
nancy.bowman@northgatesd.net

Mr. Mike Wagstaff
Assistant Principal
mike.wagstaff@northgatesd.net

 

PSSA Parent Letter PDF

Join us for Northgate Baseball Night on June 9th at 6:40 p.m. as the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. This district-wide event invites students, staff, administrators and community members to come together and celebrate the start of summer.

Scan the QR code or click here to purchase tickets. We hope to see you there!

You’re invited to join us for a special evening celebrating the creativity and achievements of our students. The Northgate Student Showcase of Excellence will take place Thursday, May 21, from 4-7 p.m. at Northgate MS/HS.

For more than twenty years, this beloved event has brought our Northgate community together to celebrate student excellence through art, music, and classroom exhibits. Guests will enjoy an inspiring showcase of student work, along with food options provided by our community partners.

We hope you will join us for this evening of creativity, connection, and celebration.

Please register here: https://forms.gle/pdBD4zPU2inutpzF6

We look forward to seeing you there.

Northgate School District is proud to recognize Dr. Nancy Bowman for being named a 2025-2026 National Technical Honor Society Honorary Member, an honor that reflects her outstanding commitment to education and student success.

With 35 years of experience in education, Dr. Bowman has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering students. She currently serves as the Secondary Instructional Principal at Northgate Middle and High School, where she has the unique opportunity to work closely with both middle and high school students. Her passion for leadership and student development continues to shape a positive and supportive learning environment across the school community.

Dr. Bowman began her career as a middle school science teacher, spending a decade in the classroom before transitioning into educational leadership. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including middle school principal, high school principal, and director of curriculum. In each position, she has remained focused on fostering student growth and academic achievement.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bowman has been a strong advocate for career and technical education, particularly through her ongoing partnership with A.W. Beattie Career Center. Her collaboration with the center spans her time in leadership roles within the Pine-Richland School District, North Allegheny School District, and now Northgate School District. She has consistently championed opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation, recognizing the value of multiple pathways for student achievement.

Dr. Bowman’s dedication to collaboration and her unwavering support for students have strengthened the broader educational community. Her leadership has helped ensure that students across the region are equipped with the skills and experiences needed for their future endeavors.

Northgate School District congratulates Dr. Nancy Bowman on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her continued impact on students, schools, and the community.